Our IABCBC Board Stories

Are you looking for some leadership experience? Are you passionate about communications and looking for the opportunity to make an impact within your local communications community? Or are you an active IABC/BC member who wants a new challenge? Then maybe a role within our 2017/2018 board could be the right fit for you.

Here’s what some of our current board members have to say about their experiences.

Gemma Lawrence, Co-Director Digital Marketing & Communications:

“Before I joined the board for IABC/BC I really wasn’t sure what to expect. I just knew that I wanted to build on my existing skills within a supportive and in my mind ‘safe’ environment. I was also looking for a new challenge and a chance to help develop other communications professionals. The director of marketing & comms role seemed like a perfect fit for me, and a fantastic chance to network with other professionals and power up my leadership skills. As a newcomer to Canada and Vancouver I needed to begin establishing myself as a marketing professional and I’m so thankful that I found IABC/BC. Not only have I been able to develop my skills, I’ve also learnt a lot about myself and begun building some great friendships. This is definitely a priceless opportunity that I would recommend to anyone.”

Lydia Tay, Director Volunteer Services:

“The best thing about the board? The people! This is a high-performing team of absolutely dedicated professionals. It’s a true privilege to work alongside those who share a passion for advancing communications. I’ve made some amazing professional connections, and also forged lasting friendships.”

Jeanette LeBlanc, Vice President and the incoming President for 2017-2018:

“I joined the board because I love giving back to my profession and working with others who share similar values as I do. IABC/BC has always served me well since I became a member in 2010, from managing events, to supporting the Executive Administrator in my first year on the baord, to now preparing to lead the Chapter next year. My network has never been stronger, thanks to many of the great connections I’ve made through volunteering at IABC/BC. I couldn’t imagine my career without this network. Join me on the board next year, and kick-up your leadership skills. This is a great and fun place to gain these skills.”

“I’m a ‘people-person’. Joining the board enabled me to meet other communicators from across the city, share ideas and build relationships with them while working on projects that allow me to use different skills than I do in my day-to-day work.”

Sarah Parker, President:

“I started my IABC journey as a public relations student in Edmonton, Alberta. Fast forward 10 years, and I’ve held various board roles in both Edmonton and BC. I can honestly say that volunteering as an IABC board member has been of the most memorable and meaningful experiences for me, both personally and professionally. I’ve made lifelong connections, travelled the world for conferences, brushed up on my leadership skills and learned invaluable lessons from the communications professionals who came before me. This is an opportunity money can’t buy; it’s a must for anyone hoping to take their career to the next level (and have fun doing it). I can’t recommend it enough!”

“For me, a professional association like IABC is meant for active participation, not passive observation from the sidelines. When you get involved, you get so much more than a bullet point on your resume: expand your network, hands-on learning, exploring different types of communications roles, and developing your own career. The best part is, you get to do all of this with people that you already have lots in common with, and what starts out as career exploration and development quickly turns into friendship and great memories. Volunteering on the Board enhances the entire experience through leadership opportunities, interacting with more of the membership, and contributing to the future of not just IABC, but to the entire communications profession.”

John Almond, Our Director of Finance:

“In 2010 I joined the Executive of the BC Chapter Board after being Sponsorship Director for the previous two years. Being on the Executive was a great learning experience – the role helped me grow my leadership and volunteer management skills. When an opportunity came up last year to get involved on the Chapter Board as Treasurer, I decided to re-join the Board in order to get back in the management of the Chapter and give back as a volunteer with a fun group of like-minded communicators.”

Why don’t you join us?

If you are interested in joining our board we are now recruiting for our 2017-2018 board. Nominations are open until Friday 28 April at Midnight. If you have any questions you can contact any of our Board members or email our Past President, Catherine Pitman (Chair of the Board Selection Committee) at pastpresident@iabc.bc.ca. Find out more here